COSTA RICA. 265 



factorily established by the route of the port of San Juan de 

 Nicaragua and the river Serapique, the materials would be sent 

 by the Atlantic at very much less cost than by around Cape 

 Horn. 



" It is situated within 14 leagues of the Pacific Ocean and 

 30 leagues of the Atlantic, in a mountainous district intersected 

 by deep valleys or ravines. The mountains are covered with 

 wood fit for fuel, mining, architecture, and machinery. There is 

 a population of 50,000 inhabitants within one day's journey of 

 the mines. The climate is perfectly salubrious, provisions of all 

 kinds remarkably cheap, labourers' wages from four to five dollars 

 per month. The mines secured are freehold property, and with 

 one exception are unencumbered by tribute or native partners. 

 The attention of Government and of individuals has recently 

 been directed to the discovery of a road from the interior to the 

 river Serapique, which, rising in the high lands of Costa Kica, 

 pursues a northerly course and joins the San Juan about 

 10 leagues above the harbour of that name, being itself navi- 

 gable for about 12 leagues above the junction. The opening of 

 this road is a matter of much importance to Costa Kica in a 

 general point of view ; the port of Matina being always bad 

 and impracticable during the prevalence of northerly winds ; 

 that of San Juan being, on the contrary, capacious, easy of 

 access, and at all times perfectly secure. The distance is much 

 the same as by the way of Matina. Several expeditions have 

 been undertaken with a view of exploring an eligible road to 

 the highest navigable point of Serapique, and although as yet 

 none fit for mules has been discovered, the results of the experi- 

 ments justify the expectation of success. Individual enterprise 

 is active in the attempt, and Government has wisely offered a 

 reward to successful speculators. 



" Captain Trevithick and Mr. Gerard, with a particular view 

 to the enterprise now under consideration, and after considerable 

 risk and labour, succeeded in laying down the navigable head 

 of the Serapique and in throwing such light on the intervening 

 tract as will be of great assistance to future adventurers. They 

 ultimately constructed a canoe in which they sailed down to 

 the port of San Juan." 



